And that doesn't include defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, who is on crutches after suffering a quad injury returning punts three weeks ago.

Tucker met with reporters Thursday for the first time since suffering the bizarre injury and brushed it off.

"It was after practice, and I decided to take a shot at it, and it didn't work out for me," he said. "I've already coached and called three games since then, and I really don't have anything else to add or subtract to that."

In his first year as defensive coordinator, Tucker's defense is eighth in yardage allowed, 12th in points allowed and 17th in stopping teams on third down. Tucker runs a basic scheme without much blitzing that allows the players to play fast and specializes in not giving up the big play, trying to force teams to put together long drives to score.

Logan Mankins of the Patriots recently said the Jaguars "line up in one spot and never move or do anything." And an ESPN.com writer agreed and said the defense "could do more."

The Jaguars have yet to recover a fumble and allowed Cincinnati to score a touchdown on a third-and-17 play last week. They also gave up a first down on a fourth-and-6 play in the fourth quarter that would have probably given the Jaguars the win had they stopped it.

"We play with technique and fundamentals. We do our best to stop our opponents. When we don't execute, then we're not successful, so it's pretty simple," Tucker said.

Another test for Gabbert

For the third week in a row, rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert will face a veteran defensive coordinator noted for having an extensive blitz package.

First it was Gregg Williams of the Saints, then Mike Zimmer of the Bengals and now Dick LeBeau of the Steelers, whose defense ranks No. 2 in the NFL.

"The biggest thing is they have a veteran defense," Gabbert said. "They have guys that have been in that scheme for 10 years.''

The Steelers are giving up 4.7 yards per rush, and their run defense is ranked 16th. If Maurice Jones-Drew can run against their defense and enable the Jaguars to stay out of third-and-long, it could make things easier for Gabbert.

Alualu's knee issues

Defensive tackle Tyson Alualu is following his usual routine this week. He was limited with a knee ailment Wednesday, went full time on Thursday and will play Sunday.

"It's something the coaches came up with [being limited on Wednesdays]. It's best for me. I'm following whatever they give me," he said. "I don't think anybody here is playing 100 percent healthy. It's just playing with some irritation. I've got to try and play at a high level with it."

Alualu said he had a similar problem last year and the knee improved without surgery in the offseason.

"I guess the grind of camp and all the practices, all the workouts, kind of the wear and tear [irritated it again]. It's nothing too serious. We'll see what happens after the season, after the doctors evaluate and see where we go from there," he said.

Asked if the injury is hindering him, Alualu said, "Even if my knee was 100 percent, I would still feel I could do better, and that's what I'm striving for. It's something you have to learn to play with. A lot of people, their body is hurting, but they still have to play through it, and that's what I am doing now."

Etc.

DE Aaron Kampman had a full practice Thursday, a sign he will make his season debut Sunday after missing the last 13 games over the past two years with a torn ACL. ... T Eugene Monroe (shoulder) and T Guy Whimper (hip) were both limited for the second consecutive day. Whimper (hip) feels he will be ready to play. ... CB Derek Cox (groin) was limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday. So was LB Daryl Smith, who has a concussion. ... RB Montell Owens (knee) and G/C Jason Spitz (quad) both didn't practice for the second consecutive day. ... LB Clint Session didn't practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday with an elbow injury, a sign he probably won't play Sunday. ... Cecil Shorts, who had trouble fielding punts last Sunday, has been doing the job in practice and will probably field punts again in Pittsburgh.

I am not quite sure what to make of Vito's last 3 paragraphs about Mel Tucker given the context of the article. He starts out with stats showing the Jags are roughly in the top 3rd of NFL defenses then goes on to throw Mel under the bus with several random comments. What's your beef with Mel Vito? Don't get me wrong, the whole coaching staff needs to go but why start with Mel? Dirk Koetter is much more deserving of your ire.